What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal?

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal cream, ointment, or suppository.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Call your doctor at once if you have any bleeding from your rectum, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling of your ankles or feet, or rapid weight gain.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

What is hydrocortisone rectal?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal cream, ointment, or suppository.

Hydrocortisone rectal is used to treat itching or swelling caused by hemorrhoids or other inflammatory conditions of the rectum or anus.

Hydrocortisone rectal is also used together with other medications to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the lower intestines and rectal area.

Hydrocortisone rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hydrocortisone rectal?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:

congestive heart failure;

a history of tuberculosis;

stomach ulcer or diverticulitis;

a colostomy or ileostomy;

fever or any type of infection;

kidney disease;

high blood pressure; or

myasthenia gravis.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrocortisone rectal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use hydrocortisone rectal?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using hydrocortisone rectal.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. The rectal suppository can stain clothing or other fabrics it comes into contact with.

For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

For best results from the cream, use only the applicator provided with the medication. Otherwise, follow the directions provided with your rectal cream.

Avoid using the bathroom for one to three hours after inserting the cream or suppository.

Apply the ointment to the rectum and surrounding skin of the rectal area as directed on the package label.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

Store the rectal cream at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the rectal suppositories at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze them.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of hydrocortisone rectal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using hydrocortisone rectal ?

Avoid getting a vaccine during your treatment with hydrocortisone rectal. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using a steroid medicine.

What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone rectal?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

swelling of your ankles or feet;

muscle weakness;

rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;

severe rectal pain or burning;

bleeding from your rectum;

severe stomach pain;

sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes; or

seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

mild rectal pain or burning;

acne;

changes in your menstrual periods;

increased sweating; or

increased facial or body hair growth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone rectal ?

Before using hydrocortisone rectal, tell your doctor if you also use insulin or take oral diabetes medication.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrocortisone rectal cream, ointment, or suppository.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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